Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Effects Of Prenatal Stress And Poverty On Fetal Growth, Teresa Anne Lefmann

Doctoral Dissertations

Background. Prenatal stress has negative effects on the developing fetus through the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Programming of the stress response system during gestation has lifelong effects that put the infant at risk for multiple stress-related pathologies. Populations most vulnerable to prenatal stress are African-Americans and individuals of low socioeconomic status.

Methods. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) research project, a collaboration between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and individual state health departments, was utilized for this study. Tennessee data from 2009 were compiled from individual birth certificates and PRAMS questionnaire responses to examine three …

Healthy And Maladaptive Coping Strategies Among Master Of Social Work Students, Jody D. Lopez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to explore healthy and maladaptive coping strategies among MSW students. The data was collected using self‑reported questionnaires. A total of 47 students participated in this study. Using the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping as a theoretical framework, this study assessed stress levels using the Perceived Stress Scale. The Brief COPE instrument measured coping strategies. The study found relationships between stressors and maladaptive coping and perceived stress. The study recommends that future research on coping strategies among MSW students include greater attention to training MSW students how to deal with stress during their MSW …

Human Service Providers’ Perception Of The Quality Of Client Services Provided As Related To Their Level Of Self-Care, Joseph Ray Brinson, Luis Hernandez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

This study explored human service providers’ perception of the quality of client services provided as related to the providers’ level of self-care. We utilized a quantitative research approach to survey 54 human service providers from three Southern California agencies. An independent t-test was conducted to analyze the difference between participants’ perceptions of self-care by age, gender, and level of education. This study revealed a significant difference was found between gender and social care. Females are more likely to maintain an open, trusting relationship with someone who they can share their frustrations with, sustain balance in their life by pursing a …

Interracial Relationships: Stressors Among Races, Samuel Anderson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study explored the similarities and differences in stressors that individuals in interracial unions come accross, based on the racial makeup of the couple. This study investigated the following research question: what are the fundamental stressors that impact a heterosexual non-White individual that marries a White partner? How, if at all, do these stressors vary by the race of the non-White individual? Twenty videos posted on YouTube under the search term "interracial marriage stress" were found using quota sampling. Ten of the videos had a White male and a on-White female and ten of the videos had a White female …

The Experiences Of Families With A Child Diagnosed With Autism, Lauren M. Snyder

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This qualitative research study explored the experiences of families who have a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Surveys were sent out to families at a local agency, and seven parents responded. The survey investigated the impact of the child’s diagnosis on the parental relationship, stress levels, feelings of social support, and self-care techniques. The objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences of these families with an autistic child, and to gain insight into where they need more support from professionals in the field. The content of the surveys was transcribed, coded, and …

Stress Management, Choices, And Self-Confidence, Pamela P. Thompson

MSW Capstones

Abstract

When adolescents do not learn appropriate coping mechanisms for stress, they are more likely to develop problem behaviors that can inhibit their abilities to live productive and meaningful lives. When adolescents do not learn the appropriate ways to cope, they can sabotage their self-esteem, confidence, and learn negative coping strategies. A focus group was held of adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17 years of age. They discussed their point of view of what is stressful and how they handle the stress. All information was compared to evidence based research of coping strategies and the best practices to …

Licensed Social Workers’ Perception Of The Role Of The Supervisor And Its Impact On Stress In Social Work, Quinn Johnson

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

This study explores how the role of the supervisor impacts social workers’ perceptions of stress in social work practice and how social workers measure the experience of supervision. The study sample consisted of 54 licensed social workers with different levels of licensure selected from the Minnesota Board of Social Work. A mixed method design, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, was used to collect data for this cross-sectional research study. An email with the link to the survey inQualtrics was sent to 160 licensed social workers. The data was assessed using descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and grounded theory methodology …

Perspectives Of Social Work Students On Nutrition And The Nutrition Effects On Mental Health, Diana Tran

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Nutrition is related to the mental well-being of clients. However, the nutritional views and practices of social workers in the mental health field have not been thoroughly explored. By using the post-positivist paradigm, 15 mental health social work students were interviewed for their perspectives regarding nutrition and nutrition’s effect on stress. Their main ideas were identified, connected, and organized to develop a theoretical statement. The resulting theory focused on the development of social work students' perspectives in applying nutrition into their mental health practice. The students were influenced by a variety of background factors, including their education, barriers to applying …